Our crazy tour through Monstropolis did not disappoint, but now it was time to walk on to Guardians, and have another fun-filled adventure escaping the Collector's collection.
It was now a few mins before 6:30, and time for our reservation at Lamplight Lounge. We proceeded over and waited in a LONG line to check in for our reservation. We provided a text number and were told to wait downstairs, we would get a text, and then were to return upstairs to the hostess station. We went down, and waited, and waited... a CM asked if our reservation had been called, which I replied no. We were told to go back upstairs till it was our time. Ugh... what a mess. I went back up, inquired with the hostess again, and was told to go back and wait downstairs... again. Finally, a hostess was asking for our party, and we were lead to our seats 23 minutes after our reservation time. The ADR at LLL SUCKS. It's a mess, and in need of a serious overhaul. I might expect this at a dining establishment which had just opened a few days prior, but not Disney, and not after been running for months.
Walking past the LONG bar area.
Our seats with a front-line view of the bay and pier. We loved the menus which were done in a story-board format. Such great illustrations.
The pier was looking great. Initially, I hated the idea of Pixar Pier, but it's certainly grown on me, and I like the new food options.
Service was HORRIBLE. It took forever to get our drinks, and Amy's didn't even show up until nearly the end of the meal. What a cluster.
Charlotte got the Infinity Fizz - Powerade Mountain Berry Blast, Apple Juice and Cherry Pearls. ($7.00) It came in a plastic cup with dry ice which had been injected into the bottom with ports which made it bubble and mist.
Took some experimentation to drink it, LOL.
I opted for a Karl Straus Tower 10 IPA. I simply love this brew and wish I could get it in AZ.
We started with Crab and Tuna Roll - Stone Crab with Avocado, Jicama, Yellowfin Tuna, and Fireball-Yuzu Sauce ($19.00). This was simply OK. I've had much better rolls. Pass.
We followed this up with a staple, the Lobster Nachos - warm Lobster with Black Beans, Aged Cheddar-Oaxaca Cheese Sauce, Pico de Gallo, and Chipotle Crema ($21.00). This has always been amazing historically, but alas, if this were my first time getting it, I would pass. It was cold (normally, scorching hot), and didn't seem to have much flavor for whatever reason. Such a disappointment as this is one of our favorite dishes in all of DCA.
Char got the Kid's Pasta - Corkscrew Pasta with creamy Cheese Sauce and Cheddar Fish served with a flower pot of Veggies with Hummus and fresh Fruit ($10.00). This was also pretty meh and she didn't eat much of it.
Amy's Teaser arrived after we were done eating...Greenbar City Bright Gin, Greenbar Hibiscus Liqueur, fresh Lime Juice, and Agave Nectar topped with Tonic Water ($13.25) It was tasty, but sadly, rushed in consumption as we were already done eating.
While we were waiting... and waiting.... and waiting... for our food and drinks, we had lost the light. The pier lit up is absolutely gorgeous. Pixar Pier really shines at night.
Finally, a full hour and a half after our reservation time, it was time to leave. While we had been there, they kicked up the fire on the island behind us.
The lighting inside as we were walking out transformed the place into a much cooler seeming locale.
Overall, the LLL is a GREAT concept. The execution falls flat however and I doubt we'll be back. The reservation and guest intake..F. The service...F The food taste/quality...C- The ambiance...B+ Pay attention Disney, you could have crushed this, but you fell flat.